[RedFanAlways1966]

Joe just turned 76 years-old. I think to myself about when my grandparents were around that age. I've known other people around that age. God love them all. But I cannot imagine them trying to announce a MLB game. Joe, obviously, can do it far better than most people his age. He is a seasoned vet in the booth and understands all the nuances of the game that has been his life, more-or-less, since he graced the mound for the first time in 1944.

I still love to hear Joe. His "little problems", that we are all aware of, do not bother me. It is b/c Joe is the only person (w/ Marty) that I have lived with on the baseball radio every summer. However, I think it is time... for his retirement. I know that eventually I will "get over it" and I will still listen every summer. Joe has definitely lost a step. I am not old enough to hear Joe from his beginning, but I know that he has lost a step from when I first heard him. I don't hold it against him b/c he is 76 years-old.

I am saddened mostly by one thing. I really looked forward to seeing Joe go out with a great day. I do not want this to get ugly. Joe does not want to leave. It is sad. But the REDS are a business. They have employed Joe for his entire announcing career. I hear people say that the REDS owe him, but I cannot see it that way. Joe is set for the rest of his days. He worked hard and earned everything. Including a great day on his last day. A day to be remembered for some time (Pete's hit, Riverfront's last day, Pete's softball game, etc.). Oh man...

Larkin's deal is a whole different animal to me and I won't discuss it here. Joe is a REDS legend. I hope all ends well.